08/25/2026
👭"In the orchestra of nonverbal communication, rhythm is like the conductor, helping all the other instruments stay in sync." (Chapter 3, Raising a Socially Successful Child)
✨This quick-but-interesting book looks at the cues and interactions of today's children that help them establish and maintain successful and fulfilling friendships. One of his first topics is rhythm: the strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound, and how it permeates our lives.
👭Being in sync with others means other nonverbal markers of communication flow together with comfort, ease with a natural feel. Things like walking next to each other, or walking in a line as many children do in school, or taking turns within an activity are examples of ways we rely on rhythm to keep us connected to those around us.
🎶Dr. Nowicki found in his research that often times when children were "out of sync" socially in the classroom, they also displayed a lack of basic rhythmic ability. How fascinating!
🕺🏻How can you help your child begin their social journey in life? By singing & dancing with them! As infants, babies enjoy & are comforted by the heartbeat rhythm they experienced in utero. They love rhythmic bouncy lap songs, and dancing in your arms. Toddlers can echo phrases, play mirror games with movement, & put the rhythm into their bodies when moving & even playing with instruments.
🎶Nowicki even recommends attending Music Together classes to experience joyful singing and dancing with other babies, toddlers, big kids & a variety of grown-up models! (Side note: I'd recommend reading the book even if he didn't specifically suggest taking one of our classes😉)
If you haven't tried a class yet, now's the perfect time to join us! Visit our website to schedule your free trial class, starting September 8th!
📍Find a class near you! Sunshine Music Together offers class in West Seattle, Capitol Hill, Green Lake, Magnolia, & Queen Anne
